The Phuket News June 16, 2023

ROYAL VISIT

Health official urges hygiene amid outbreak

KING AND QUEEN OF THAILAND GRACE PHUKET WITH THEIR GRAND PRESENCE

People of Phuket lived a momentous day on Sunday (June 11)

as His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Majesty Queen Suthida graced the island with their inaugural official Royal Visit since King Maha Vajiralongkorn ascended the throne as Rama X in 2019.

Their Majesties’ Royal Thai Air Force aircraft touched down in Phuket at an undisclosed time around 4pm. By that point thousands of people from near and far had eagerly gathered on

the streets to greet the King and Queen along their route and at Tha Kraeng Rd, where they were scheduled to carry out their Royal Duties.

At 5:33pm, the yellow-clad crowd at Tha Kraeng Rd in Phuket Town erupted in excited cheers as Their Majesties arrived at the site of the Phuket Provincial Hall and the Office of the Court of Appeal Region 8.

The new snow-white Phuket Provincial Hall is located within the Phuket Provincial Administrative Center on the northern side of the road, while the new white and golden Office of the Court of Appeal Region 8

is situated on the southern side. Both five-storey buildings showcase SinoPortuguese architectural elements, emphasising Phuket province’s rich Peranakan heritage.

First, His Majesty Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Majesty Suthida proceeded to the Court of Appeal, where they led the foundation stone laying ceremony. Officials from the Court of Appeal Region 8 were granted Royal Audiences and presented Their Majesties with commemorative presents on the occasion of their Royal Visit.

At 6:35pm, the crowd cheered

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

again as the beige Maybach limousine with “R-Y-L 3” license plates left the premises of the Court of Appeal and headed to the Provincial Hall. The transparent windows of the car allowed onlookers to catch a glimpse of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen from a distance of 10 meters or less.

Amidst admiration, people waved their flags, including the red, white, and blue “Thong Trai Rong” flags of Thailand; the yellow flags of the King bearing his Royal Monogram; and the purple flags of the Queen with her Royal Monogram.

Expat completes 1,050km walk for kids in need

Phuket para athlete shines at Asean Games

People greet the Royal Motorcade in Phuket Town last Sunday (June 11).

Photo: PR Phuket

Hygiene prioritised amid seasonal virus outbreak

PHUKET OFFICIALS

have issued a list of health guidelines after hospitals across the island were inundated with patients laid low with gastrointestinal infections caused mostly by Norovirus. As of last week, around 100 people daily were seeking medical help for abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea.

The official health warning on June 9 urged people to strictly adhere to the principle of eating clean, hot and well cooked food, to steer clear of raw foods, ensure clean drinking water is consumed and to maintain best-practice personal hygiene.

In an interview with The

Phuket News, Phuket Provincial Public Health Office

(PPHO) Chief Kusak Kukiattikoon said that the outbreak is seasonal and is expected to end within a month.

“This is not a new virus. This virus has been spreading in Phuket every year at the beginning of the rainy season,” Dr Kusak said.

“People should protect themselves with food hygiene. Eat clean and freshly cooked food, do not share a spoon and fork and wash their hands often. People who are at risk or start be unable to drink and eat, and feel fatigued should see a doctor immediately,” he added. The Phuket News

Thailand records lowest inflation in 21 months > p4

Nothing personal

Focus shifts to business angle in assassination attempt

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

Investigators believe that the most probable motive behind an assassination attempt on a Russian man at Boat Avenue on June 7 could be his business in Phuket rather than a personal confict with the shooter or someone else.

The sole and prime suspect in the shooting so far is a Kazakhstani national of Korean origin born in 1974. The man was arrested on June 8 after police discovered that he had rented the Yamaha N-Max scooter used in the shooting.

Initially the man was apprehended for overstaying his visa without any formal murder-related charge and denied any connection to the murder attempt, Phuket Police Chief Maj Gen Sermphan Sirikong explained to The

Phuket News at that time.

On Tuesday (June 13) Gen Sermphan confirmed that murder-related charges had been formally added, making the Kazakhstani man a prime suspect in what appears to be an assassination attempt.

“The charges against him include attempted murder, possessing a firearm without a permit, carrying a gun in public without reasonable cause,” Gen Sermpan confirmed.

“We are now gathering evidence to hand the case over to the prosecutor,” the Phuket Police Chief added.

Several key pieces of evidence are now in police custody, including the aforementioned Yamaha N-Max scooter, the clothes worn by the shooter and dropped near the scene, and a .38 caliber revolver with two unused rounds of ammunition found in a nearby lake.

Gen Sermpan has not confirmed if forensic specialist have been able to conduct DNA tests and prove the connection between the arrested man and the key pieces of evidence such as the gun and the cloths.

BOAT AVENUE SHOOTING

An attack on a Phuket-based businessman from Russia, whose name the police have not officially disclosed, occurred at the Boat Avenue complex near Laguna Phuket at around 11:30am on June 7.

According to eyewitness accounts, the attacker had been waiting at the complex on a grey Yamaha N-Max motorbike, with his face concealed at all times by a crash helmet. Shortly after the Russian businessman parked his car, the man fired four shots from a firearm into the windshield of the vehicle.

The man inside the car, identified as a 43-year-old Russian national, was hospitalised with gunshot wounds. In the most recent conversation with The Phuket News Gen Sermphan confirmed that there was no threat to the man’s life as of June 13.

The Russian businessman, who turned 44 years old on June 9, is allegedly involved in the restaurant business in Phuket, including the Boat Avenue area. Gen Sermphan has not revealed any details about his business.

Pita vowes to move Phuket forward, support autonomy

PRIME MINISTER ASPIRANT AND leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP) Pita Limjaroenrat has made a commitment to drive continuous positive transformations in Phuket and lend support to the island’s aspirations for increased autonomy.

During his visit to the island on June 9, he expressed his fondness for Phuket, referring to it as the “pearl of the Andaman Sea”, and vowed to raise the status even higher.

“From now on, Phuket will not be the same. I will promote Phuket to be the pearl of the world,” Mr Pita said said during his “Kob Khun, Prachachon” (“Thank you, people”) visit on June 9.

Mr Pita held two public meetings with his Phuket supporters and a private meeting with local business elites, including tourism industry heavyweights. The latter came with a set of proposals including prioritising tourism as a key economic driver, increasing international flights, and ensuring transparent government support.

In turn, Mr Pita emphasised the importance of developing infrastructure to accommodate a larger number of visitors and expressed his support for niche tourism, such as medical, sports, and gastronomic. To

illustrate his personal support for for food travel, he then shared a photo of himself enjoying Phuket noodles from a plastic container while seated in a van.

Mr Pita also acknowledged the need for Phuket to have more autonomy and be recognised as a special area with unique requirements. One aspect that needs to be reconsidered in this regard is the principle of budget allocation based on per capita.

“Phuket has to be responsible for a huge number of tourists and people from other provinces who come to work here [providing services to those touritsts]. When budgets are allocated in accordance with the registered population, it is simply inconsistent with the actual needs of the province,” Mr Pita said. The Phuket News

A Russian businessman was rushed to hospital after being shot several times through the windshield of his car on June 7 while parked in Boat Avenue. Photo: Supplied

Photo: PR Phuket

Photo: Pita Limjaroenrat / Facebook

King and Queen visit Phuket

Continued from page 1

People of all ages and backgrounds greeted Their Majesties in unison, holding portraits of King Rama X and Queen Suthida or waving flags. Most were dressed in yellow shirts while some adorned themselves in elegant Peranakan attire from a bygone era. Queen Suthida herself chose a traditional Phuket-themed set for this event.

Their Majesties graciously alighted from the car in the front yard and proceeded to formally inaugurate the new Provincial Hall building. The ceremony encompassed

the lighting of candles and incense sticks, praying, and presenting offerings to the Buddhist monks.

Royal Audiences were granted to honorary guests, including foreigners who were recognised for outstanding contributions benefiting the Kingdom of Thailand as well as exceptional dedication to the well-being of the Thai people.

Their Majesties also signed their own names on the symbolic stone slab and planted a presiouse Redwood tree, Phuket’s signature species.

The event culminated with

Rama X pressing the button to uncover the sign saying ’Phuket Provincial Hall’ over the main entrance to the building. Their Majesties then proceeded inside for the private part of the ceremony, hidden from the eyes of regular attendees.

The Royal Visit concluded with His Majesty and Her Majesty returning to their vehicle, and the Royal Motorcade departed. As this occurred after sunset, everyone could appreciate the beautifully illuminated setting skillfully arranged for the Royal Visit.

When the Royal Motorcade

Beach lifeguards issue warning as monsoon brings blue bottles

PHUKET LIFEGUARDS HAVE WARNED

beach-goers of yet another seasonal danger on the island – poisonous blue bottle Physalia, locally known as the Portuguese man-o-war. According to Phuket Lifeguard Service (PLS), these marine creature, sometimes erroneously called jellyfish, have alreadt been found at Nai Harn, Patong, Kata, Karon and other popular beaches.

PLS reminded that anyone stung by a blue bottle should seek immediate assistance from the lifeguards on the beach or go to a medical facility. People were urged to limit self-treatment to washing the injured area with

seawater and removing any visible tentacles.

For pain relief, if technically possible, the injured area can be soaked in warm water for 20 minutes. However, seeking professional medical should be the priority. The Phuket News

Police reunites Russian family

PHUKET TOURIST POLICE OFFICers safely reunited a Russian family after the husband reported his wife as missing in the early hours of last Friday (June 9).

According to the Phuket Tourist Police report, the 56-year-old woman did not return to the hotel from Naithon Beach by 11pm promting a search operation.

The female tourist was later found at Nai Yang Beach, some 7km from Naithon along local roads. The uninjured woman was taken back to her accommodation.

It was not revealed if the tourist had a mobile phone with her while wandering in the hilly areas of northern Phuket. Meanwhile Tourist Police keeps reminding

turned from Tha Kraeng Rd into Chao Fah East Rd, people gradually left the area, but not before tidying up after themselves. While some understandably hurried home after spending long hours at the event, many joined hands to remove plastic chairs from the road and perform other necessary tasks.

All the numerous paper flags were taken by attendees with them. Merely half a dozen of flags could be seen accidentally left behind, allegedly having fallen from people’ bags. These flags were gingerly picked up by other

guests to be taken home and become family relics.

Overheard conversations revealed that many people dedicated no less than six, seven or eight hours to witness the presence of their King and Queen in person. Some made journeys from other provinces to be part of this memorable day when His Majesty Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Majesty Suthida set foot on Phuket soil for the first time as the King and Queen of Thailand.

To ensure nobody suffered from hunger or thirst, free food and drinks were

provided. Tents were installed to protect the audience from the sun, which was highly appreciated as the day turned sunny and bright. Medical teams, emergency workers, and security personnel remained constantly vigilant, ensuring safety throughout the event.

According to local newspaper archives, the previous official visit of the King of Thailand to Phuket took place in 1973 when His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (Rama IX) graced the province with his presence. This happened precisely 50 years ago.

foreign vacationers that they can always request assistance through the 1155 hotline or the ’I Lert U’ app, available on Google Play and the App Store. The

News

Phuket

Photo: PLS

Thousands gathered to welcome Their Majesties in Phuket on June 11.

Photo: PR Phuket

Photo: Phuket Tourist Police

Volleyball in Asia

“The future of Volleyball is in Asia,” said Volleyball World CEO, Finn Taylor, according to ASN’s just-released Volleyball Asia Market Analysis 2023. While over 50% of volleyball’s global fan base is in Asia, only four countries – Thailand, India, Japan, and China – dominate the sport’s sponsorship income, accounting for 95.8% of the US$24.2 million (B834mn) total. Coming in at fifth place, South Korea achieved just over US$1mn, representing just 5.5%.

In 2022, Thailand – leading the field with US$7.3mn (31% of the market compared to just 9% in 2019) – achieved 76% growth over preCOVID pandemic sales, while the other members of the ‘big four’ all posted slower recovery, ending up between -11% to -69% below 2019 sales.

Despite the prominence of volleyball in Asia, its value is relatively small compared to the giants of Asian sport sponsorship, which is dominated by football with sponsorship sales of US$1.5 billion – 35% of the all-Asia, all-sports total. In 2022, volleyball ranked 13th, behind athletics, badminton, and table tennis, while football, cricket, motorsports, and basketball led the field.

Nevertheless, the Women’s Volleyball Nations League – which comes to Thailand, Japan, China, and South Korea in June this year – is expected to have a substantial impact on volleyball’s sponsorship profile.

Indeed, it is the success of the Thai women’s national volleyball team that has catapulted Thailand into the top spot. The Volleyball Nations League (VNL) organisers, who have backed up their conviction by investing in a strategic alliance with the Asian Volleyball Confederation, are convinced of the huge potential for growth in this region.

Currently, financial services is the biggest volleyball sponsorship category in Asia by a long way, accounting for 32.3% of the total, owing to major investment by both RuPay, the Indian multinational financial services and payment system (US$5.5m), and the

China Pacific Insurance Company (US$1.1m).

Interestingly, RuPay’s title sponsorship of the Volleyball Federation of India’s ‘Prime Volleyball League’ (formerly India Pro Volleyball League) was the only volleyball sponsorship deal in India in 2022, while the sport sponsorship numbers in China were distorted by the Beijing Winter Olympics, which attracted US$305mn, just beating football, the traditional number one platform.

Unsurprisingly, RuPay is the dominant volleyball sponsor brand in Asia, at 22.6% of all sponsorships in 2022. Est Cola, Mikasa (sports

equipment), and China Pacific Insurance Company (CPIC), together with RuPay, make up the ‘big four’, responsible for almost 39% of all Asian volleyball sponsorship.

While No. 2 Est Cola (US$1.8mn, 7.5% of the total) has been the title sponsor of the Thai Volleyball League since 2018, the top 25 brands include several newcomers – such as Euro Cake, Piyavate Hospital, Firmus (Feihe), Fila, Star Sports, CEstbon, and Chuo-Nittochi – who have entered the market since 2019, suggesting the predictions of mounting interest in volleyball as a sponsorship vehicle across Asia are justified.

As a sponsorship platform, volleyball is still in its infancy compared to giants such as football, cricket, motorsports, and basketball, but the potential for growth, demonstrated by 2022 sponsoring brands, is promising – especially with the upcoming Volleyball Nations League (VNL).

It’s worth noting also that the women’s game is particularly strong in Asia, which aligns well with the inherent values of volleyball around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), gender equality, and so on.

In this context, it is worth noting that growth seems to be coming from non-traditional (for volleyball) categories, especially apparel, beverages, sports equipment, and FMCG, as opposed to the financial sector.

www.asiasponsorshipnews.com / info@asiasponsorshipnews.com

Inflation slowest in 21 months

THE HEADLINE CONsumer Price Index (CPI) rose by only 0.53% in May yearon-year, indicating the lowest growth in 21 months, primarily attributed to lower energy and food prices, the Ministry of Commerce reported last week.

The 0.53% Headline CPI growth in May was significantly lower than the Reuters forecast of 1.7% and the April figure of 2.67% year-on-year.

The Ministry of Commerce expects headline inflation in 2023 to be between 1.7-2.7%, with 2.2% as the median value. All the values are within the Central Bank’s target range of 1-3%.

The Core CPI index in May increased by 1.55% compared to the previous year, falling below the forecasted increase of 1.6%. This was also lower

than April’s rise of 1.66%.

The Core CPI index excludes the highly volatile energy and food prices.

The overall consumer confidence index in May rose to 56.6 from 53.5 in April, marking the sixth consecutive month of growth (since December 2022) and the highest level of consumer confidence in 53 months (since January 2019), according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Major volleyball events are hosted by the most prestigeous venues and attract thousands of watchers.

Image: TPSO

Pita inches closer to PM post

Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s bid to become prime minister moved a step closer to reality on Monday (June 12) after the chairman of a recent meeting of iTV shareholders said the media company is currently not operating pending a legal case.

As a result, Mr Pita could be spared from legal wrangles that could lead to him being disqualified as an MP if it is proven that the media company has shut down.

iTV was back in the spotlight after a video taken during the annual shareholders’ meeting on Apr 26 contradicted the official minutes.

In clips from the footage aired on TV Channel 3 on Sunday night, a shareholder asks: “Does iTV still operate media businesses?”, to which Executive Director Kim Siritaweechai, who chaired the meeting, replies: “As of now, the firm doesn’t do anything. It has to wait for a legal case to end.”

Controversy has swirled around alleged attempts to “revive” iTV to block Mr Pita’s bid to become prime minister through his shareholding in the media company.

Chairman of the Election Commission (EC) Ittiporn Boonpracong said on Monday the poll agency is already looking into whether Mr Pita violated Section 151 of the organic law on the

election of MPs.

Mr Pita said last week he had already transferred the 42,000 shares he inherited from his father, who died in 2006, to relatives to pre-empt any attempt to use them as political ammunition.

He said he was confident there was nothing to disqualify him from serving as an MP or becoming prime minister of a coalition government.

He said that in its 2018-19 financial statement, iTV was defined as a holding company, but in the two following financial statements, it was labelled a TV organisation.

iTV stopped broadcasting in 2007, and its licence was taken over by Thai PBS. The company was delisted from the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 2014.

However, its business registration remained active because it is still embroiled

Thai elephant in Sri Lankan zoo prepares to come home

BANGKOK

in a legal dispute with the government over unpaid concession fees.

On May 10, political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana petitioned the EC to investigate. Under the current constitution, individuals with media holdings are barred from running for office.

On Friday, the EC threw out all complaints related to media share ownership against Mr Pita but will instead investigate whether he applied to be a list-MP candidate knowing he might not have been eligible.

That would be considered a violation of Section 42(3) and Section 151 of the organic law on the election of MPs.

If found guilty, Mr Pita faces up to 10 years in prison, along with a fine of between B20,000 and 200,000, and a ban from taking part in elections for up to 20 years.

‘Aem Cyanide’ cases go to prosecutors

INVESTIGATORS WILL present their case reports against accused serial killer Sararat “Aem Cyanide” Rangsiwuthaporn to prosecutors today (June 16), deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn said on Monday (June 12).

Pol Gen Surachate was speaking at the Correctional Institution for Women in Bang Khen area of Bangkok, where Ms Sararat is beng detained.

The deputy police chief filed additional charges against Ms Sararat during his visit. She was earlier charged with premeditated murder and forgery in the case of Siriporn “Koy” Khanwong, one of her 15 alleged poisoning victims.

Pol Gen Surachate said Ms Sararat faced similar charges in all cases - including premeditated murder, poisoning, forgery and theft.

He said the police reports on the 15 cases were complete. He had consulted prosecutors before wrapping them up.

All charges against Ms Sararat were supported with

strong evidence, he said. If found guilty she could face the death penalty, but the court could reduce this to life if she confessed. For now, she is still regarded as innocent.

The deputy national police chief said investigation reports on the cases against her former husband, Pol Lt Col Withoon Rangsiwuthaporn, and her lawyer, Thanicha Aeksuwannawat, would also be forwarded to the prosecutors today.

Pol Lt Col Withoon, former deputy superintendent of Suan Phueng police station in Ratchaburi province, was charged with receiving stolen property and forging and using official documents. Ms Thannicha was charged with assisting her client destroy or conceal evidence of a crime.

Pol Gen Surachate was full of praise for all police investigators handling the cases, saying they had worked hard and carefully.

The 15 cases spread over seven provinces - Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi, Udon Thani and Mukdahan.

Ms Sararat was arrested on Apr 25 following a complaint filed by the mother and elder sister of Siriporn “Koy” Khanwong, 32, of Kanchanaburi, one of her 15 alleged victims.

Most victims were linked to the suspect through private savings schemes and car financing deals. All the deceased were found to have been with Ms Sararat shortly before they died.

THE OPERATION

TO bring Thai elephant Sak Surin from Sri Lanka back to Thailand has commenced, with Thai mahouts now in Sri Lanka to familiarise the elephant with the process ahead of travel.

The two mahouts, Torachaisit Siri and Supachai Boonkerd from the Thai Elephant Conservation Center, arrived in Sri Lanka on June 10. Sak Surin, who is currently staying at Dehiwala National Zoo in Sri Lanka, is scheduled to fly back to Thailand on July 2.

The male elephant is reported to be facing health issues, prompting the operation to bring him back home, where he will receive treatment.

The mahouts’ first mission is to familiarise Sak Surin with themselves, through feeding and verbal commands in Thai language, which allow the elephant to get used to their voices and scents. Sak Surin seems to be responding well so far without

showing signs of aggression, Mr Torachaisit said.

However, Sak Surin still needs to become more acquainted with the mahouts in the next two weeks to enable him to respond to commands to enter the cage used for air transportation aboard the Ilyushin IL-76 transport aircraft for the 2,000 kilometre journey.

The 30-year-old elephant was given to Sri Lanka in 2001 as a gesture of goodwill by the Thai government.

The decision to repatriate him was made following complaints from Sri Lankan animal welfare activists Rally for Animal Rights & Environment (RARE), who alleged that the elephant had been overworked and was not receiving proper care. NNT

Photo: DNP

Bangkok Post

Sararat at the Criminal Court on Apr 26. Photo: Supplied

MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat. Photo: Bangkok Post

1. Which is taller, a full-grown Tyrannosaurus Rex or an adult giraffe?

2. How old was Pelé when he played in his first FIFA World Cup in 1958?

3. What was Nobel Prize winner Lech Walesas’s occupation at the Lenin Shipyard, Gdansk?

4. La Scala opera house is in which European city?

5. Ailurophobia is the fear of what?

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York

Answers below, centre

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers

this week’s Pop Quiz:

This week in history

June 16, 1944

At age 14, George Junius Stinney Jr, is an African-American wrongfully convicted of murder in less than 10 minutes during a one-day trial by an all-white jury, becomes the youngest person executed in the United States in the 20th century.

June 17, 1631

on

percent, on average, of ice from fast-food restaurants is dirtier than the water from toilet bowls, a middle schooler’s award-winning science project revealed in 2006.

7,000

US dollars in gift tax had to be paid by each member of the audience that Oprah gave a “free” car to.

32 million bacteria can be found on every square inch of your skin.

Source: Uberfacts

Mumtaz Mahal dies during childbirth. Her husband, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan I, will spend the next 17 years building her mausoleum, the Taj Mahal.

June 18, 1815

Duke of Wellington and Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher defeat Napoleon Bonaparte in the Battle of Waterloo, forcing him to abdicate the throne of France for the second and last time.

June 19, 1978

Garfield, the long-term holder of the Guinness World Record for the world’s most widely syndicated comic strip, makes its debut.

June 20, 1837

Queen Victoria succeeds to the British throne.

June 21, 1900

Boxer Rebellion. China formally declares war on the United States, Britain, Germany, France and Japan, as an edict issued from the Empress Dowager Cixi.

June 22, 1633

The Holy Office in Rome forces Galileo Galilei to recant his view that the Sun, not the Earth, is the center of the Universe in the form he presented it in, after heated controversy.

Source: Wikipedia

Phuket street a glow at sunset. Photo by Marco Capriz

George Stinney, Jan 1, 1944.

Photo: State of South Carolina

‘Wild Wolf’ completes Pattaya to Phuket charity walk

Aman with an extremely big heart recently completed an incredible 1,050-kilometre walk from Pattaya to Phuket to raise money for a children’s charity.

James Lee Valentine, or “Wild Wolf” as he’s known to the Hash House Harriers, took on the arduous task to raise funds to support the Take Care Kids Foundation, leaving Pattaya on April 20 and finally setting foot onto Phuket on June 6.

James set a target of raising B1 million from his walk to contribute towards the building and completion of a foster home for the foundation which would provide home for up to 50 people, most of whom are orphans.

Taking on weather conditions that varied, from soaring hear to monsoon downpours, the longest distance James covered in one single day was 43.2km, while also clocking over 40km on three other separate days. He also had to take a nine-day timeout to recover from a range of blisters that emerged from his punishing schedule.

As he neared his destination of Phuket, James was joined by several other members of the local Hash House Harriers who met up with him at the Erawan Hotel 9km into Phang Nga province before finally making it to the Sarasin Bridge. It marked the 48th day of an incredible adventure for a man with a very big heart.

James said he was exuberant on finishing his endeavour, extending a personal thanks to Paul and Gim James of the Expat Hotel, Patong for all their help and encouragement, along

with others along the way.

“A giant thank you to around 20 Phuket Hashers and my buddies Sammy and Zac from Pattaya who joined me for a fabulous 9km walk over the Sarasin Bridge to the Rimpan Restaurant in Phuket for a spicyliclous lunch,” James posted on his Facebook page.

“Thank you also to my two delightful children Princess and CJ for their 1,000 decorations and cake and cards and message of congratulations. You are the best children ever,” he added.

“And a massive thank you to the many people who have supported me throughout my ordeal with your messages of encouragement and donations to the Take Care Kids charity.

“All in all, it has been a wonderful journey with no drama and an exceptional experience, one that I feel blessed to have accomplished on behalf of the Take Care Kids charity.

“Now is the time to donate. Thank you [and] God bless the children.”

There was a party to celebrate James and the team’s achievement at the Expat Hotel on June 9 where a series of fundraising initiatives strived to help him edge ever closer to his overall target of B1mn.

Take Care Kids is a volunteer-based Foundation also known as “Take Care Kids Onlus and Thailand Foundation”, which was created to save and protect children and in certain cases single mothers with children from violence and various forms of severe abuse and to help them rebuild their lives and a new future. Born in Italy but operating in Thailand in the city of Pattaya, it was founded in 2006 and is officially recognised by the Thailand Ministry of Social Welfare since March 2010 as a non-profit, charity organisation, also operating since early 2018 as a Foster Home.

Photo: Denis Beylet / Facebook

LA CHAINE DES ROTISSEURS PHUKET DINNER - JUN 2023

The 2023 Michelin Guide-recommended Thai fine-dining restaurant, Jaras Restaurant, in Kamala, was the venue for the Thursday June 08, 2023 dinner fo La Chaine des Rotisseurs Phuket . An amazing menu, with paired drinks, was created specifically for the La Chaine des Rotisseurs Phuket Dinner by Chef Chalermwut (Nui) Srivolalkul, Chef de Cuisine at Jaras Restaurant. Highlights on the 6 course dinner was the PROW - Andaman squid, organic egg yolk with house made cured mullet roe, served in an egg shell, plus the POO NIM KHAI Kem - Soft shell crab, salted egg sauce, lemon jelly and cured egg yolk.

Friday Mussels Night

6 PM onwards: Belgian style mussels served with French Fries. All you can eat. Your choice, Your style: Mariniere, Selected drinks, Provencale, Garlic & cream, Creamy curry, Blue cheese or Thai style We have a kid’s playground zone. Adults: 325 baht P.P. www.shakersphuket.com www.facebook.com/ shakersphuket Oliver, Shakers restaurant 98/18 Vises Road, Rawai 83130, 081 891 4381

SUN 18 JUN

P.P. www.shakersphuket.com www.facebook.com/ shakersphuket Oliver, Shakers restaurant 98/18 Vises Road, Rawai 83130, 081 891 4381

Prawns & Squids, salad buffet and veggies, Choice of potatoes, cold and hot sauces, Bread, Buns & garlic bread. We have a kid’s playground zone. Adults: 395 baht P.P. Kids under 12 years old: 195 baht P.P. www.shakersphuket.com www.facebook.com/ shakersphuket Oliver, Shakers restaurant 98/18 Vises Road, Rawai 83130, 081 891 4381

EVENT UP DATES ON

Monday BBQ Night

6 PM onwards: All you can eat BBQ buffet cooked to order. Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Fish, Prawns & Squids, salad buffet and veggies, Choice of potatoes, cold and hot sauces, Bread, Buns & garlic bread. We have a kid’s playground zone.

Adults: 395 baht P.P. Kids under 12 years old: 195 baht P.P. www.shakersphuket.com www.facebook. com/shakersphuket Oliver, Shakers restaurant 98/18 Vises Road, Rawai 83130, 081 891 4381

WED 21 JUN

Sunday Roast

12PM – 9PM: All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

Beef, Pork & Capon chicken – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, Fried mushrooms, Grilled Tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – Roasted Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes – Gravy, Mushroom sauce, Horse raddish, Mint Sauce. We have a kid’s playground zone. Adults: 350 baht P.P. Kids under 12 years old: 195 baht

BUSINESS

Non-tourism based business

A genuine opportunity to own a business and live in Phuket, Thailand. 4,000,000+ THB annual turnover with room for growth. Established more than 20 years. 3,w000,000 THB annual net profit. Simple business model. Repeat custom. Mainly involves management of on-going contracts. Work permit + long-term visa attached to business. businessforsalephuket@gmail.com

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Massage for Painful Muscles

Wednesday BBQ Night

6 PM onwards: All you can eat BBQ buffet cooked to order. Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Fish,

JOB

Personal Assistant

Wanted

Smart, attractive, single female under 35 years old. Reliable and kind. Excellent English. Cooking. Shopping. Act as travel guide for UK/Canadian businessman. 1st-class resort accommodation. More details call 089 054 4354 or email bggvirgo@gmail.com

PROPERTY FOR RENT

Using Therabody technology, only THB 500 for 1 hour. Location Ban Don, easy parking. Call for appointment - 092 805 3522. wfphelps@icloud.com

JOBS

Marketing Manager

We are looking for an experienced and motivated individual to join our school’s management team. Must have outstanding communication skills, be fluent in English, have a relevant degree and experience of marketing in an international setting. Previous experience of marketing educational programmes and ability to speak more than one language are an advantage. Full Time - 2 year contract. *Based in Phuket, Thailand. *Salary: 90,000 +15,000 housing. *End of contract bonus and flight allowance provided. *Health Insurance, work permit and visa provided. Applicants should send a CV and Application Letter in English to jedouard@ headstartphuket.com and cedouard@headstartphuket.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE

72 SqM Unfurnished One bdrm bath kitchen. 1 Air cond 25 mtrs to beach 4th floor Cattareya Condo Swimming Pool Fitness Parking 24 hr security CCTV. Panadda Sathaisong, 089 635 7311, mypinellasmail@gmail.com

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE

BOAT Merry Fisher 1095 FLY

Three double cabins. Generous equipment. Additional living space with flybridge Integrated electric steering + autopilot Cockpit shower (hot & cold water) 220V water heater Fresh water electric toilet 2 Garmin chart plotters 2 wood cockpit tables + Flybridge table. Sundeck+sun pad on Flybridge Bow

PROPERTY FOR SALE

FARANG STYLE

HOUSE

infinity saltwater pool. Ocean Rock Villa Estate, 9/4 Soi Prabaramee 7, Kalim Beach, Patong, hello@the-cube-villa-kalim.com, +66(0)92 870 6065,

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR RENT

Fully furnished including Air/Washing machine, 300m from Robinson Thalang in small estate, low monthly fee. House has been rented for 5+ years to same tenant at B17K p/m. Still rented now to very good tenant. Reduced to 4.3MB, call owner direct on 063 743 8595.

Yanui Beach

Seaview Cabins

Yanui Beach Seaview are brandnew cabins/Pods. There are only two. On Baan Soi Rawai. Just before the gun club on the way to Laem Promthep. Beautiful seaview sunsets nightly, Kingsized bed, small kitchenette. Suitable for couples. 30 square metres. Walking distance to Yanui Beach. 2 kilometres from Rawai and Nai Harn beaches. Available short term and long term. First time listed and brand-new.

BMW 320d

Luxury 2014

Excellent condition; purchased 2016 with 8000km; local driving only by elderly driver; 112000km; cameras; BMW service; leaving Thailand. B750,000. John, johnhkt2560@icloud. com, 0869890919

Ace Djokovic makes history

Novak Djokovic created history last Sunday (June 11) when he captured a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title with a third French Open triumph, reinforcing his case to be crowned the greatest player of all time.

The 36-year-old Serb brushed off an early wobble to defeat Casper Ruud of Norway 7-6 (7/1), 6-3, 7-5 and snap the tie of 22 Slams he shared with careerlong rival Rafael Nadal.

“It’s an incredible feeling to win 23,” said Djokovic. “I'm beyond grateful and blessed to be standing here with so many incredible achievements... I am very emotional right now and I am very, very proud.”

Victory for the third time in Paris, after 2016 and 2021, adds to Djokovic’s 10 Australian Open titles, seven at Wimbledon and three at the US Open.

Djokovic is the first man to win all four majors at least three times and is once again halfway to the first calendar Grand Slam since Rod Laver in 1969.

“Your skill and unwavering mental fortitude on all surfaces is astonishing,” tweeted Laver as Nadal immediately described his rival’s victory as “an incredible achievement”.

Only Margaret Court and Serena Williams in women’s tennis have managed to rack up 23 Grand Slam titles. Court’s all-time mark of 24 will now be in Djokovic’s sights at Wimbledon next month.

There is little sign of Djokovic slowing down. He is now the oldest French Open champion but 11 of his Slam trophies have now been won after he turned 30. He also reclaimed the world number one ranking following the win to start his 388th week in top spot.

SWIATEK WINS THIRD FRENCH OPEN

Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek battled past Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 to win her third French Open title on Saturday (June 10) and become the first woman to successfully defend the Roland Garros title since 2007.

The 22-year-old Swiatek is just the third woman in the Open era to win each

PGA Tour, LIV Golf merge to end golf’s ‘civil war’

GOLF

THE PGA TOUR ANnounced a shock merger with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit on June 6, rocking the golfing world with a bombshell deal aimed at ending the sport’s bitter two-year civil war.

purses and money guarantees, bankrolled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

Critics said LIV was conceived by the kingdom as a “sportswashing” exercise designed to improve Saudi Arabia’s international image, battered after the 2018 murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

of her first four Grand Slam finals, the Pole adding to her 2020 and 2022 titles in Paris and last year’s US Open triumph. Monica Seles and Naomi Osaka are the only other players to accomplish the feat.

World number one Swiatek is also the youngest woman to claim back-to-back French Open titles since Monica Seles in the early 1990s.

Justine Henin was the last woman to win successive Roland Garros crowns when she captured her third in a row and fourth in total 16 years ago.

Swiatek’s latest coronation caps another dominant two weeks on the clay in Paris, where her record stands at 28 wins and two losses in five visits.

Mercedes optimistic after big upgrade

MERCEDES TOOK

what appeared to be a major step forward at the Spanish Grand Prix, but only if it can back that up at the wildly different Canadian Grand Prix this weekend (June 1618) will it know for certain it’s on the right path.

Mercedes enjoyed one of its most competitive weekends of the last 18 months in Barcelona on June 4 with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell comfortably finishing behind race leader Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing.

It was the team’s first double-podium result since last year’s São Paulo Grand Prix and validated team boss Toto Wolff’s decision to introduce a conceptchanging upgrade package prior to the race.

The previous version of the W14 car was unpredictable and difficult to set up. Often the engineers would solve one performance problem – say, the car’s habit of bottoming out on the track surface at high speed – only

to discover it caused another equally serious issue.

The new car is much easier to work with – and confidence in its performance envelope brings lap time with it.

It’s for this reason the team was so optimistic after Spain. After 18 months of troubleshooting, it finally feels confident that it can devote its development pipeline to performance rather than stability.

And there always tends to be low-hanging fruit worth serious lap-time gains so early in a development cycle, as Mercedes is now after starting from scratch.

This weekend Formula 1 travels to Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a temporary street circuit where the chal-

lenge will be completely different to Spain.

The track rewards top speed down, while almost all the corners are slow chicanes. Mechanical grip is more important that downforce, which is aggressively trimmed from the cars for velocity down the long straights. Rain is also forecast for practice and on race day.

If Mercedes can replicate its good form this weekend, then it will know almost for certain that it really is on the road to competitive recovery. But serious struggle would ask some hard questions of the team’s new trajectory.

Michael Lamonato

In a stunning agreement that took the sport completely by surprise, the US-based PGA Tour and Europe’s DP World Tour said they had signed an agreement with LIV’s Saudi backers that will lead to the formation of “a new collectively owned, for-profit entity.”

“After two years of disruption and distraction, this is a historic day for the game we all know and love,” said PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan.

LIV Golf was launched in October 2021 and lured top PGA Tour talent with record US$25 million (B865mn)

The PGA Tour responded by banning LIV players while the DP World Tour has handed out heavy fines to its players.

The rift had led to a series of lawsuits and caused acrimony between players such as major winners Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka, who signed lucrative deals with LIV, and those such as Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, who remained loyal to the PGA Tour.

The deal ends all litigation between the feuding parties, although many other details of the landmark deal remain to be disclosed. AFP

Record-breaking Djokovic with the winner’s trophy. Photo: AFP

Photo: AFP

Hamilton and Russell collide during qualifying in Spain. Photo: AFP

Sport

Djokovic sets Grand Slam record > p11

TREBLE TRIUMPH

Man City cap fine season with Champions League win

Manchester City have won a historic treble after beating Inter Milan 1-0 in Istanbul last Saturday (June 10) to win the UEFA Champions League.

A second-half strike from midfielder Rodri proved the difference as City finally landed the one trophy the club have coveted for so long.

Having already claimed the FA Cup and a fifth Premier League title in six seasons, City are the first English club to win such a treble since Manchester United in 1999.

That same month 24 years ago, City won the English third-tier play-off final on penalties against Gillingham.

Now they have established

themselves as England’s dominant side and have finally added the biggest prize in European club football, two years after losing to Chelsea in their first final.

“I’m emotional, it’s a dream come true,” said match winner Rodri afterwards. “All these guys (the supporters) around here waiting 20, 30, 40 years. I’ve been here just four years but we deserve it. I think we made history. The good thing is that we want more. This project is to want more, more ambition.”

The Spaniard fired in from a Bernardo Silva cutback midway through the second half at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium to decide a game in which City were knocked out of their usual rhythm and lost Kevin De Bruyne to injury on the half-hour mark.

Inter were twice inches away from an equaliser when Federico Dimarco hit the bar before Romelu Lukaku’s late header struck City goalkeeper Ederson on the knee.

“You have to be lucky in this competition,” said City manager Pep Guardiola. “It’s so difficult to win it. But we were there and it was written in the stars this season it belonged to us.”

‘ULTIMATE ACHIEVEMENT’

Guardiola was already widely regarded as the greatest coach of his generation thanks to 11 league titles in just 14 seasons in charge of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City. But victory in Istanbul also silenced the remaining critics of his ability to get the job done in Europe.

It also means twelve years

after last lifting the trophy with Barcelona, Guardiola joins an elite club of coaches to have won the competition three times.

Victory also means Manchester becomes just the second city to produce two different winners of the competition, after Milan.

“This is a really proud moment for everyone at this football club,” said City captain Ilkay Gundogan. “We work so hard every single day, and we have wanted to win this trophy for so long. The Champions League is a beautiful competition, and we are all incredibly happy to have won. And to win the treble is something amazing. It is the ultimate achievement for any club team, and we have done it.”

City had not won the

English title in 40 years at the time they were bought in 2008 by Abu Dhabi United Group, backed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

Since then they have claimed seven Premier League titles in 12 seasons and have won three FA Cups and six League Cups. Now they have a first Champions League.

Meanwhile, West Ham United won their first major European trophy since 1965 with a 2-1 win over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League on June 7.

Jarrod Bowen’s dramatic last minute goal secured the club’s second European trophy after they won the now defunct Cup Winners’ Cup 58 years ago with a team including England World Cup heroes Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst.

“To score the winner in

the last minute, it’s what you always say you want to do,” an elated Bowen said after the game. “To do it in front of these fans. I thought I was going to cry. I’m just so happy.”

Said Benrahma opened the scoring for West Ham in the 62nd minute before Giacomo Bonaventura levelled five minutes later. Then came Bowen’s late winner.

“It’s been an incredible achievement to do so well in Europe,” said Hammers manager David Moyes. “I’ve been really fortunate, I’ve got a great group of players, I’m with a club who have incredibly supported me.”

West Ham, who now enter next season’s Europa League, spent most of the last season battling the prospect of relegation, finishing 14th in the Premier League in the end.

Vasana helps Thais to second place at Asean Para Games

ASEAN PARA GAMES

PHUKET’S VASANA YIMIN

was among the athletes that shone at the recent 12th Asean Para Games in Cambodia that saw Thailand finish with hugely impressive overall medal haul of 329.

Miss Vasana, a visually impaired athlete, won a gold medal in the women’s 800 metres T12 class on June 8, setting a new record time of 3 minutes and 6 seconds in the process.

Not content with that impressive feat, Miss Vasana then proceeded to secure a silver medal in the women’s 200m T12 class with a personal best

time of just under 30 seconds.

Her efforts contributed to the overall medal haul and meant Thailand finished in second place behind Indonesia with 126 gold, 109 silver and 94 bronze medals.

Indonesia racked up 158 gold, 148 silver and 95 bronze medals to emerge overall champions of the 2023 edition, with Vietnam in third (66-59-78) and Malaysia in fourth (50-38-34).

Hosts Cambodia finished eighth among 11 member nations with a total of 71 medals (9-18-44) as the curtain came down on June 9.

Thailand will organise the next Asean Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima in January 2026.

Cambodian Prime Minister

Hun Sen presided over the closing ceremony of the 2023 Games at Morodok Techo National Stadium. It was a memorable and colourful evening filled with music, sound, dance, lights and shows of laser and splendid fireworks which captured the hearts of the 70,000 spectators who had packed the stadium early in the afternoon.

Hun Many, vice president of the National Paralympic Committee of Cambodia, handed over the Asean Para Sports Federation flag to APSF president Osoth Bhavilai who then passed it to Paralympic Committee of Thailand chief Naiyanobh Bhirombhakdi, marking the official handing over of the hosting duties to Thailand in 2026.

Osoth praised Cambodia for successfully delivering the Games despite playing host for the first time.

“For the past week, we have witnessed a truly exciting show of courage and grit. Cambodia, you have proved your true capabilities as hosts with the successful delivery

of the first Asean Para Games in Cambodia. Congratulations!,” said the Thai official.

“To athletes, you are all true winners! To all volunteers, you brought joy and the true meaning of passion and friendship! And to all spectators and the people of Cambodia, your support gave us strength to continue championing the cause of the disabled community through sports.”

Over the week-long tournament which began on June 2, a total of 14 sports were contested, featuring some 1,428 athletes and 726 officials (with 455 of them in wheelchairs).

Additional reporting by Bangkok Post

Vasana (left). Photo: PR Phuket

Manchester City players celebrate after winning the Champions League last Saturday (June 10).

Photo: AFP